Tocopherols inhibit estrogen-induced cancer stemness and OCT4 signaling in breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Estrogen plays an important role in breast cancer development. While the mechanism of the estrogen effects is not fully elucidated, one possible route is by increasing the stem cell-like properties in the tumors. Tocopherols are known to reduce breast cancer development and progression. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of tocopherols on the regulation of breast cancer stemness mediated by estrogen. To determine the effects of tocopherols on estrogen-influenced breast cancer stem cells, the MCF-7 tumorsphere culture system, which enriches for mammary progenitor cells and putative breast cancer stem cells, was utilized. Treatment with estrogen resulted in an increase in the CD44+/CD24- subpopulation and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity in tumorspheres as well as the

SUBMITTER: Bak MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6067126 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature